Hannah Albert: Inspired

Nonconformity is uber creative

Being unique, bucking the trends, and thinking outside the box are constitutional for this  fresh-thinking guy: Chris Guillebeau finds ways to travel first-class - cheaply - while working from his laptop. In the middle of a recession. While promoting the idea that people quit their jobs in favor of enjoying life more fully.

Packed with down-to-earth honesty, unconventional wisdom, and exciting visionary thinking, there is something for every creative, artistic soul on this site.

His approach to life and work is refreshingly unconventional indeed.

new link to inspired creativity

Thanks "Orna Ross" for linking to my list of recommended movies!
Check out her site for more ideas on stimulating creativity.
Kindred spirits connect.....

Favorite movies to inspire creativity

Before Night Falls, The Red Violin, Amadeus, Me and You and Everyone We Know, Whale Rider, Like Water for Chocolate, The Sea Inside, and anything by Jim Jarmusch. These movies have inspired me because of their portrayal of the creative life or simply for their breathtaking beauty.

Tipping Point, Blink, and Outliers

Malcolm Gladwell is one of my fave authors. He writes about things that make you think about the way you think - I just love how that stimulates creativity.

new work in progress

This painting started with random stitching onto the canvas before it was wrapped over a wooden stretcher frame. Then, as has been my most recent practice, I stand back and wait for the "chaos" inherent in the stitching to inform the shapes taking place.

I enjoy the background dance of randomness that metaphorically exists in both the macrocosm of life as well as the internal landscape. In this case I had an idea about two people bringing their energies and intention together to create a presence.

The colors in this work are related to the second and third chakras. The second chakra is associated with sexuality, creative expression, and personal power. The third chakra is associated with balance and letting go, physical identity, and self confidence.

Stress and Creativity: from bummed-out to bliss

I've often described the moment of getting lost in the creative process as one of the most healing kinds of activities. It is healing in the sense that modern ailments largely originate from our overwhelming levels of stress.

Stress can be a positive force, inspiring us to take action, to make changes, to let go and move forward. Unfortunately, many of us instead try to dissociate and avoid the pain of change with drugs, alcohol, food, and shopping. All of these activities are strongly condoned in our "culture of excess," but I'd like to suggest another way to deal with pain and confusion, overwhelm and negativity.

First, tidy up your home, office, bedroom. (Yes, mom was right...) A dirty, chaotic environment drains your energy and focus. If you don't have time do do all of it, clean and organize the room you spend the most time in.

Second, hit the off button and back away from the computer. Take out your musical instrument, art supplies, CDs, sewing machine, costumes, etc and spread out your stuff.

Put on some favorite music. Get up and move to it for at least 20 minutes to warm up your engine. Pretend you are on stage if that feels good - nobody's watching.

Now go over to your costumes/ art supplies /instrument/ writing journal. Give yourself permission to make "bad art" for the next one to three hours. If it sounds right, focus on your conflicted relationship, situation, or health issue and set an intention to "make a discovery."

Let feelings come up and inform your creative expression. Get it out in the open.
Then let me know what kind of magic you find...